Del. lawmakers eye reporting of lost, stolen guns

By The Associated Press 6:11pm, March 27, 2013

A bill requiring gun owners to report to police within 48 hours after discovering that a firearm has been lost or stolen is working its way through the Delaware legislature.

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard from both supporters and opponents of the measure on Wednesday.

Supporters say mandatory reporting can help prevent firearms from winding up in the hands of criminals prohibited from possessing them and reduce straw purchases. A straw purchase occurs when a person buys a gun for someone not allowed to have one. Straw purchasers often claim that a firearm traced back to them after a crime had been lost or stolen.

Opponents say the bill is unworkable and unenforceable and will not cut down on straw purchases.